D. Battle of Cieneguilla, Apache Wars, 1854

Apache Wars, Battle of Cieneguilla

The Apache Wars

Apache Wars:

• A series of battles and campaigns specifically against the Apache
• Tension started at the Mexican American War: Apache's in Mexican lands defended Mexico
• Uneasy treaty between Apache and miners in the area after the Mexican American war was broken 3 years later
• Various conflicts ranged from 1851-1890
• Conflicts between 1851 and 1875 were started mostly from stolen property and white/mexican massacres
• Miners started to harass and beat up single or small groups of Apache, starting the conflicts
• Conflicts between 1875 and 1886 were attempts by the government to place the Apache into reservations and to keep them from escaping the reservations
• Geronimo's surrender in 1886 effectively ended the war
• Conflicts between 1886 and 1890 were minor mop-up skirmishes against Apache who hadn't surrendered with Geronimo
• Many of the harassments during the last 4 years of the wars were made by lone Apache warriors

Geronimo

Battle of Cieneguilla

• First significant battle of the Apache Wars
• Battle between Jicarilla Apaches and the U.S. 1st Cavalry Regiment
• U.S. soldiers had attacked Apaches without authorization before the battle had started
• In response, 250 Apaches and Utes ambushed the regiment
• Of the 60 mounted American soldiers, 22 were killed and all but 2 were injured
• 50 Apache warriors were killed